By Charlie Adams
NEFJ Staff
CRANSTON – West Warwick entered the weekend looking to add to its record 21 Division 2 championships, but South Kingstown had other plans.
No. 1 SK met high expectations and then some, earning a 29-0 shutout victory over No. 3 West Warwick.
The Rebels finished 10-1, with an undefeated record against D-II competition.
“We knew that these guys were good, and we knew that we were going to have a successful season,” head coach Gerry Zannella said.
South Kingstown dominated the afternoon from the opening drive. Dante Peno blocked a punt by West Warwick’s Nick Andruchow to give the Rebels short field for its opening drive.
Jordan Chaloux took over from there, taking carry after carry leading to a one-yard touchdown. Kai Sorlien added the extra point to put SK ahead 7-0.
The Rebels added to the lead with a deep pass from Tyler Rosen to Tyler Denecour that drew a defensive pass interference to bring SK to the red zone. Rosen followed up with a 12-yard touchdown pass to Rory Murray. Peno rushed in a successful two-point try after a penalty on the PAT.
A following pooch kick was mishandled by West Warwick (7-4), allowing the Rebels to get back-to-back drives. Peno capitalized with a 25-yard rushing touchdown, the PAT gave SK a 22-0 lead entering halftime.
Chances to add on came for South Kingstown in the third quarter, but fumbles cost them. First Peno, then Chaloux fumbled just four yards from the goal line and Branch recovered for West Warwick.
Denecour put the finishing touches on the shutout victory with a 25-yard rushing touchdown. SK finished off the game kneeling out the clock.
“It’s been our goal since day one,” Peno said. “It all paid off, and I’m very happy.”After the game, Peno earned MVP honors for contributions on both sides of the ball. Peno’s performance was also highlighted by a blocked punt and a 25-yard rushing touchdown, but he was constantly in the mix on offense and defense.
“This is very important to me,” he added. “I worked my ass off this whole year.”
“He’s rack full of emotion and hard work,” Zannella said. “As big and as strong as he is, his heart is that much bigger.”
South Kingstown added Montaner Fresilli to its coaching staff this season. Fresilli was a two-year captain for the Rebels as a lineman.
“It’s something I didn’t do as a player,” Fresilli said. “Being able to provide it to these kids as a coach really means the world.”
The Rebels look forward to its Thanksgiving rivalry against the newest D-I champion, North Kingstown.
“Champions and champions, baby,” Fresilli said. “It’s an old-school border rivalry, North vs South and that’s just a special day. That’s all pride and it’s for all the Rebels who wore the jersey before us.”
After a weekend of playoff action, both programs will have to regroup for Wednesday night at URI’s Meade Stadium.
“North Kingstown is an outstanding team,” Zannella said. “It’s going to be a quick turnaround and I got to get back and break down the film.”
